SmartCity Malta, the knowledge based township, has conducted its first board of directors’ meeting of 2008 during this weekend.

The meeting discussed the future course of action concerning the implementation of the SmartCity Malta project, the 2008 marketing plan and budget, and the next level of synergy development between the Government of Malta and SmartCity in promoting Malta as an IT destination.

SmartCity Malta is a joint venture between SmartCity and the Government of Malta. Their mutual aim is to be recognised as the predominant ICT and media business park in the Mediterranean region which seeks to assist in the creation of knowledge-based clusters within self-sustained townships.

Attending the meeting were the board members of SmartCity Malta, including Mr Deepak S. Padmanabhan, Mr Fareed Abdulrahman, Mr Claudio Grech and Mr Todd Betts.

Mr Fareed Abdulrahman, executive director of SmartCity and board member of SmartCity Malta and SmartCity Kochi, said: “Progress is being continuously registered by SmartCity Malta.”

He continued, “We are very confident with the 2008 plans discussed during SmartCity Malta’s board meeting. SmartCity Malta offers a one-stop-shop experience for ICT companies to invest in, with the aim of easing the process of setting up and maintaining a hassle-free operation.

“The board members took note of the progress registered to date and the enthusiasm that exists all around the project”.

SmartCity Malta will be an important hub in the Mediterranean.

Based on the successful model of Dubai Internet City and Dubai Media City, SmartCity Malta will generate approximately 5,600 jobs.